ONE of Sigatoka’s most productive canegrowing areas still has the potential to provide very high quality crops.
However, one of the biggest hurdles faced by growers on the Kavanagasau-side of the Sigatoka River is transport, said Sugar Cane Growers Council CEO Sundresh Chetty.
“This used to be a very productive canegrowing area but when the Sigatoka River rail bridge collapsed in 2009, farmers opted out because of high transportation costs,” he said.
“During the Prime Minister’s Western Division tour, farmers in Naroro and Nawamagi villages have expressed interest in planting cane.
“If they decide to grow cane and secure lorries to transport their harvested crop then they can be considered for transport subsidies similar to what has been granted to Nadrala farmers.”
The cost of transporting cane from Naroro and Nawamagi to the Lautoka mill is about $30 per tonne.
Government, through the Fiji Sugar Corporation, provides a subsidy of $15 to $19 per tonne for Nadrala farmers.
Mr Chetty said the SCGC was keen to assist growers in the area return to canefarming because of the high quality and yield from farms in the areas concerned.
